Can I eFile the application?

Many courts accept eFiling through authorized portals, but acceptance varies by jurisdiction. Check the local court clerk's instructions for permitted file formats and required account registration.

Is notarization required?

Some courts require notarized verification or in-court swearing; others accept unsworn petitions with later verification. Confirm the local rule or clerk's guidance before obtaining a notary.

How do I serve the respondent?

Service methods depend on state rules—personal service, certified mail, or law-enforcement service are common. Incorrect service can delay hearings or invalidate temporary orders.

What if I cannot afford filing fees?

Many jurisdictions offer fee waivers or assistance for victims of domestic violence. Ask the court clerk or a victim advocate about fee waiver procedures and required documentation.

Can I use electronic signatures?

Electronic signatures are acceptable where local rules permit and the court accepts scanned or eFiled petitions. Ensure the eSubmission preserves the record and includes an audit trail.

What if the respondent violates the order?

Report violations to law enforcement and provide a copy of the protective order. Violation of a court order may result in criminal charges or contempt proceedings.

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Protection Order Application

Protection Order Application

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Citation and Temporary Civil Protection Order

Municipal Court County Court District Court Denver Juvenile Denver Probate

County, Colorado

Court Address:

Petitioner:

Address:

v.

Respondent:

Address:

COURT USE ONLY

Case Number:

16 Character #:

Division Courtroom

Citation and Temporary Civil Protection Order
Issued Pursuant to §13-14-104.5, C.R.S.

Full Name of Restrained Person

Protected Person alleges Weapon Involved

Date of Birth

Sex

M F

Race

Weight

Height

Hair Color

Eye Color

Full Name of Protected Person

Date of Birth

Sex

Race

Full Name of Protected Person

Date of Birth

Sex

Race

Citation to the Restrained Person:

You are ordered to appear and show cause, if any, why this Temporary Protection Order should not be made Permanent. The next hearing is (date) at (time) at the court address above in Courtroom .

Protection Order:

The Court finds that it has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter; that constitutes a credible threat, that an imminent danger exists to the life and health of the Protected Persons named in this action, and sufficient cause exists for the issuance of a Civil Protection Order.

The Court Orders that you, the Restrained Person shall not contact, harass, stalk, injure, intimidate, threaten, touch, sexually assault, abuse, or molest the Protected Persons named in this action, or harm, take, transfer, conceal, dispose of or threaten harm to an animal owned, possessed, leased, kept or held by any protected party, or a minor child of any other party, or otherwise violate this Order. You shall not use, attempt to use, or threaten to use physical force against the Protected Persons that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury. You shall not engage in any conduct that would place the Protected Persons in reasonable fear of bodily injury.

1. Contact.

It is ordered that you, the Restrained Person, shall have no contact of any kind with the Protected Persons and you shall not attempt to contact said Protected Persons through any third person, except your attorney.

except as follows:

2. Exclusion from places.

You must keep a distance of at least yards from the Protected Persons, where ever they may be found.

It is ordered that you be excluded from the following places and shall stay at least yards away from the following places:

The Protected Person has requested that the address be omitted from the written order of the Court, including the Register of Actions.

Home:

Work: Name: Address:

School: Name: Address:

Other:

Exceptions:

You may not remain in or return to any of the above locations after you receive this Order. You are permitted to return to a shared residence one time to obtain sufficient undisputed personal effects to maintain a normal standard of living until the next hearing date ONLY if you are accompanied at all times by a law enforcement officer.

3. Care and Control Provisions.

It is in the best interest of the minor children that care and control of these children be awarded to

until the next hearing.

4. Issues Concerning Children. (Parenting Time and Decision-Making Responsibilities)

Restrained Person is granted Parenting Time with the minor children.

Parenting Time and Decision-Making Responsibilities will be considered at the Permanent Protection Orders Hearing or at the next Hearing.

Parenting Time expires on (next hearing date) and shall be as follows:

Interim Decision-Making Responsibilities expire on (next hearing date) and shall be as follows:

shall have sole Decision-Making Responsibilities.

The parties shall jointly share Decision-Making Responsibilities.

Other as set forth in “Other Provisions” section 5.

Parenting Time and Decision-Making Responsibilities shall be as previously ordered by the District Court, Case # .

5. Other Provisions.

A Temporary Injunction is hereby entered by this Court that restrains the Restrained Person from ceasing to make payments for mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities or related services, transportation, medical care, or child care when the Restrained Person has a prior existing duty or legal obligation to make such payments or from transferring, encumbering, concealing, or in any way disposing of personal effects or real property, except in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life and requires the Restrained Person to account to the court for all extraordinary expenditures made after the injunction is entered.

The Restrained Person shall not possess and/or purchase a firearm, ammunition, or other weapon.

The Court waives all fees and no fees for service should be assessed pursuant to §13-14-109(1)(2), C.R.S.

Fees shall be paid by the Petitioner Respondent

Arrangements for possession and care of an animal are as follows:

The Restrained Person shall not interfere with the Protected Person at the person’s place of employment or place of education and shall not engage in conduct that impairs the Protected Person’s employment, educational relationships, or environment.

It is further ordered that:

Date:

Judge Magistrate

By signing, I acknowledge receipt of this Order or Restrained Person is not present in courtroom.

Date:

Law enforcement shall use all reasonable means to enforce this Protection Order.

Important Information About Protection Orders

General Information

This Order or injunction shall be accorded full faith and credit and be enforced in every civil or criminal court of the United States, Indian Tribe or United States Territory pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §2265. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter.

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(8), it is unlawful for any person to possess or transfer a firearm who is subject to a court order that restrains such person from harassing, stalking or threatening an intimate partner of such person or a child of such intimate partner or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child.

Notice to Restrained Person

You are directed to appear before this Court on the date shown on the front of this form to show cause, if any exists, why this Temporary Protection Order should not be made permanent.

This Temporary Protection Order shall be made permanent without further notice or service or the Court may continue the Temporary Protection Orders to a date certain. You are notified that the Permanent Civil Protection Order shall remain in effect until further order of the Court. Such Permanent Order will subject you to Federal Laws restricting firearms possession and sale 18 U.S.C., §922(g)(8), §924(a)(2).

A violation of a Protection Order may be a misdemeanor, municipal ordinance violation or a delinquent act (if committed by a juvenile) and is a deportable offense. Anyone over the age of eighteen who violates this order may be subject to fines of up to $5000.00 and up to 18 months in jail. Violation of this Order may constitute contempt of court. Anyone under the age of 18 who violates this Order may be subject to commitment to the Department of Human Services for up to two years.

You may be arrested or taken into custody without notice if a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that you have violated this Order.

If you violate this Order thinking that the Protected Person or anyone else has given you permission, you are wrong, and can be arrested and prosecuted. The terms of this Order cannot be changed by agreement of the parties. Only the Court can change this Order.

Possession of a firearm while this Protection Order is in effect may constitute a Felony under Federal Law, 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(8).

Notice to Protected Person

You are hereby informed that if this Order is violated you may call law enforcement.

You may initiate contempt proceedings against the Restrained Person if the Order is issued in a civil action or request the prosecuting attorney to initiate contempt proceedings if the Order is issued in a criminal action.

You cannot give the Restrained Person permission to change or ignore this Order in any way. Only the Court can change this Order.

If you receive a return of service form from law enforcement, you must file it with the court.

Notice to Law Enforcement Officers

If the Order has not been personally served, the law enforcement officer responding to a call of assistance shall serve a copy of said Order on the person named/Restrained Person therein and shall write the time, date, and manner of service on the Protected Persons’ copy of such Order and shall sign such statement. (§13-14-107(2 – 3), C.R.S.) The officer will provide the Protected Person or the Court with a completed return of service form.

You shall use every reasonable means to enforce this Protection Order.

You shall arrest or take into custody, or if an arrest would be impractical under the circumstances, seek a warrant for the arrest of the Restrained Person when you have information amounting to probable cause that the Restrained Person has violated or attempted to violate any provision of this Order subject to criminal sanctions pursuant to §18-6-803.5, C.R.S. or municipal ordinance and the Restrained Person has been properly served with a copy of this Order or the Restrained Person has received actual notice of the existence and substance of such Order.

You shall enforce this Order even if there is no record of it in the Protection Order Central Registry.

You shall take the Restrained Person to the nearest jail or detention facility.

You are authorized to use every reasonable effort to protect the Protected Persons to prevent further violence.

You may transport, or arrange transportation to a shelter for the Protected Persons.

Return of Service

Probate County, Colorado

Court Address:

Petitioner:

Address:

v.

Respondent:

Address:

Case Number: 16 Character #:

Citation and Temporary Civil Protection Order Issued Pursuant to §13-14-104.5, C.R.S., Return of Service

I declare under oath that I am 18 years of age or older and not a party to the action and that I served the Verified Complaint/Motion for Civil Protection Order and the Citation and Temporary Protection Order on the Petitioner Respondent in (County) (State) on (date) (time) at the following location:

By handing it to a person identified to me as the Petitioner Respondent.

By leaving it with the Petitioner Respondent who refused service.

By leaving it with (Type or write name legibly) who is designated to receive service for the Petitioner Respondent because of the following relationship:

as provided for in C.R.C.P. 4(e).

I attempted to serve the Petitioner Respondent occasions but have not been able to locate the Petitioner Respondent. Return to the Petitioner Respondent is made on (date).

Private process server

Sheriff, County

Fee $ Mileage $

Fee waived, Domestic Violence Protection Order.

My Commission Expires:

Date

What a Protection Order Application Is and when it’s used

A Protection Order Application is a court petition filed by an individual seeking legally enforceable restrictions against another person to prevent harassment, threats, stalking, domestic violence, or other harmful conduct. The application sets out factual allegations, requests for specific relief (temporary restraining order, emergency custody, no-contact orders), and scheduling for a hearing. Courts typically evaluate credibility, immediate risk, and statutory criteria before issuing temporary or final protective orders. Procedures, forms, and required supporting documents vary by state and court type, so applicants should follow local court instructions carefully.

Why completing the Protection Order Application matters

A correctly completed application documents incidents, establishes legal grounds for emergency relief, and creates a record courts can act on quickly. Accurate, timely filing improves chances of obtaining temporary protection and sets the scope of enforceable restrictions.

Who typically prepares and files this application

Whether filed pro se or with counsel, accuracy and inclusion of relevant evidence (photos, messages, police reports) support the petition during judicial review.

Self-represented petitioners: Victims or concerned parties completing factual statements and relief requests directly with the court.
Legal aid and attorneys: Counsel drafts tailored petitions, prepares affidavits, and represents petitioners at hearings.
Advocacy organizations: Domestic violence shelters and victim advocates assist with form completion, safety planning, and filing logistics.

Primary parts of a professional Protection Order Application

A complete application organizes identity details, a clear chronology of incidents, requested relief, supporting exhibits, and signature and verification sections required by the court.

Heading

Caption with court name, case number (if assigned), and party names. Correct court identification determines proper jurisdiction and where the petition will be heard.

Parties

Full legal names, aliases, dates of birth, and current addresses for petitioner and respondent. Accurate identification avoids service and jurisdiction problems.

Statement of Facts

Chronological, specific incident descriptions with dates, times, locations, and witnesses. Concise factual detail supports judicial findings of risk and necessity for relief.

Relief Requested

Explicit orders sought (no-contact, stay-away, temporary custody, firearm surrender). Be precise about geographic scope and duration requested.

Supporting Evidence

List and attach exhibits such as police reports, medical records, photos, text transcripts, and witness declarations to corroborate allegations.

Verification

Signature block, date, and statement under penalty of perjury. Some jurisdictions require notarization or in-court swearing; follow local rules.

Essential fields and concise instructions

Petitioner name: Full legal name

Respondent name: Full legal name

Incident dates: MM/DD/YYYY list

Requested orders: Specific relief

Contact information: Phone and address

Signature: Signed and dated

Step-by-step: completing the Protection Order Application

Follow these sequential actions to prepare a clear, court-ready petition and supporting packet.

01

Gather evidence: Collect reports, photos, messages, and witness names.
02

Complete form: Enter names, dates, incident narrative, and relief requested.
03

Attach exhibits: Label and index all supporting documents for filing.
04

File and serve: File with the clerk, obtain a hearing date, serve respondent.

Where the application goes and how it moves through court

Understanding filing destinations and subsequent steps helps manage deadlines and service obligations.

File with clerk: Submit petition at family or civil court clerk.
Temporary orders: Judge may issue ex parte temporary protection immediately.
Service: Serve respondent per local rules before hearing.
Hearing: Judge reviews evidence and may enter final order.

Digital filing and eSubmission considerations

Confirm the specific court's eFiling requirements, accepted file sizes, and whether electronic notarization or in-person verification is required before submitting documents.

File format: PDF preferred for scanned petitions
eFiling systems: Court portals often require account registration
Notarization: Some courts accept RON; check local rules

Typical timelines, deadlines, and processing expectations

Timeframes for emergency relief, service, and hearings are time-sensitive; follow local scheduling and service rules closely.

Ex parte hearings:

Often same-day or within 24–72 hours

Service period:

Varies; often 3–14 days before hearing

Return hearing:

Scheduled within 10–30 days

Final order duration:

Varies: months to years per statute

Appeal window:

Short statutory deadlines apply

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing a petition

Vague incident descriptions lacking dates, locations, or concrete details make petitions harder to adjudicate and may delay relief.
Failing to attach supporting exhibits or mislabeling files prevents the court from verifying facts quickly during emergency review.
Serving the respondent incorrectly or missing statutory service deadlines can nullify temporary orders or force rehearings.
Using inconsistent names or addresses between the petition, exhibits, and service documents can create jurisdictional or service-of-process issues.

Penalties and risks if the application is incorrect

Dismissal risk: Petition may be denied

Delay: Relief postponed

Contempt exposure: Improper service risks contempt

Perjury concerns: False statements can lead to charges

Safety gaps: Inadequate orders leave petitioner at risk

Appeal limits: Short timelines restrict remedies

Realistic examples of how applications are used in practice

Two practical scenarios illustrate common filing paths and supporting documentation that strengthen petitions.

Local court filing

A petitioner documents repeated threats with dates and calls police for three incidents over two months.

The court issues an ex parte temporary order pending a hearing.
At the hearing the petitioner presents police reports and text message screenshots; the judge extends protection and sets a multi-year final order with specific no-contact provisions and enforcement instructions.

Remote eSubmission

An applicant prepares a petition with verified exhibits and uses an approved eFiling portal to submit documents.

The clerk schedules a virtual ex parte review.
The court accepts scanned exhibits and, after remote testimony, issues a temporary protection order and directs in-person service; the remote filing accelerated emergency relief while preserving evidentiary integrity.

Comparing eSignature provider pricing and key features relevant to legal filings

Basic feature and price comparisons for common eSignature vendors. signNow is listed first per vendor-ordering rules; verify plan details directly with each provider for complex requirements.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting for Protection Order Applications

Answers to common procedural questions, problems with service, and electronic submission concerns for petitioners and advocates.

Need help? Contact support

Can I eFile the application?
Many courts accept eFiling through authorized portals, but acceptance varies by jurisdiction. Check the local court clerk's instructions for permitted file formats and required account registration.
Is notarization required?
Some courts require notarized verification or in-court swearing; others accept unsworn petitions with later verification. Confirm the local rule or clerk's guidance before obtaining a notary.
How do I serve the respondent?
Service methods depend on state rules—personal service, certified mail, or law-enforcement service are common. Incorrect service can delay hearings or invalidate temporary orders.
What if I cannot afford filing fees?
Many jurisdictions offer fee waivers or assistance for victims of domestic violence. Ask the court clerk or a victim advocate about fee waiver procedures and required documentation.
Can I use electronic signatures?
Electronic signatures are acceptable where local rules permit and the court accepts scanned or eFiled petitions. Ensure the eSubmission preserves the record and includes an audit trail.
What if the respondent violates the order?
Report violations to law enforcement and provide a copy of the protective order. Violation of a court order may result in criminal charges or contempt proceedings.

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